www.bourquesinmalaysia.blogspot.com has come to an end now that we are no longer stationed in South-East Asia. It seemed fitting, therefore, to start a new blog highlighting our recent move to Spain. Pat began a new career with Coty Perfumes in Granollers on October 13, 2009 as V.P. and Plant Manager. I joined him here two weeks later and since then we have called the Casa Fonda Europa Hotel our "home away from home"! You can see more details on their website:
http://www.casafondaeuropa.com/ Our room is #204 located on the inside courtyard, which is a good thing, as there has been constant noise from construction in the street directly in front of the hotel since before our arrival! City workers have been increasing the length of a pedestrian-only shopping street which will look lovely when finished...There has now been a halt in the progress due to the discovery of some ruins, perhaps an ancient Roman road, which has been covered up for many years. I am hoping the local archeologists will find a way to preserve the old paving stones. It is quite a fascinating sight!
The hotel is always busy and full of locals, visitors and business people every day. The food is excellent and we have come to know many of the staff by their first names! The usual continental breakfast consists of the following (although we usually pick and choose as it is too much): a plate of fresh fruit, always the most delicious and sweet honeydew melon and pineapple, freshly squeezed orange juice, a small jar of unsweetened sheep's yogurt, pastries, a toasted bocadillo (famous Iberic ham and sometimes cheese in a crusty bun) and coffee. There's cafe con leche (with milk), cafe sol (espresso), un cortado (espresso with some milk) and so on.
Another option for any time of day is the Business Menu which consists of 5-6 choices ranging between 6-9 Euros which includes a green salad with onions and olives and a hot dish such as eggs, soup, or some sort of stew with veggies or fish. We often see people enjoying this as early as 9 a.m., along with the requisite glass (or bottle) of wine, cava (local sparkling wine) and occasionally a coffee with a shot of brandy afterwards. Then you go to work?!?!
Granollers is a busy city in the Valles Oriental of the Province of Catalonia bordering the Mediterranean Sea and located about 30 km from Barcelona. There are mountains surrounding the city making for a pretty landscape. Since our arrival, the weather has been mild, mostly sunny and dry-what a change from the humidity in Malaysia!
Below is the view from our window
and looking in the other direction...
Thursday is Market Day (mercado) in Granollers and in front of the hotel people crowd by the stalls and the construction...you can buy everything from clothing to household goods, food, flowers, even live chickens...Don't even think of eating at the Fonda without a reservation! It is the busiest day of the week!
Guess what's inside the box!!
A local shop portraying fresh mushrooms from Catalonia Province...Pat joined some colleagues from work to pick them one weekend.
Most days I take a 4-5 mile walk along the El Congost River banks, just a few blocks away from the downtown area of Granollers. It is a popular spot for runners, cyclists and dog-walkers.
Some interesting landmarks in the city centre:
Casa Blanxart below dates from 1904 with coloured etching on the facades...
The former gothic hospital of the 15th century was renovated in 1926 into a public library and is now a multi-purpose hall: Sala Francesc Tarafa
A modern park, pond and nearby football field close to the river
City Hall 1902: Ajuntament de Granollers
La Porxada comprising of 15 Tuscan columns, initially conceived as a barn, built 1586-87. It was severely damaged in the bombing of May 31, 1938 during the Civil War.
Esglesia de Sant Esteve-Gothic Church built in the 15th century on the former Romanic construction. The tower is 34 metres high.
Hasta luego!
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